Closest restaurant to Illuminations????

[WeLoveEeyore]

We have PS's for San Angel Inn in Mexico/Epcot and made them before Illuminations so we will have to time to "stake out a spot". However, being we haven't been Disney since our honeymoon (and are returning with our 10 and 7 year old so yes, it has been a while) we saw on this site that it was listed as one of the "10 worst restaurants" in Disney. So now I am torn about whether to keep this PS. We love Mexican (granted Tex-Mex but we aren't picky and happy to try variations). We also picked this restaurant because we were told it was a great area to stake out a spot for Illuminations. So, all you pros out there, help us out and let us know if we are Mexican lovers will we probably be happy there (knowing it is not Tex-Mex) and is it a good spot for being near Illuminations? If Illuminations is at 9 (I think) what time should we make the PS's? Thanks so much!!!!

 

[Pete W.]

The San Angel Inn is inside the Mexican pavilion and won't help you with an Illuminations spot. The Cantina de San Angel is an outdoor, counter-service restaurant with a good view of Illuminations, but your PS isn't good there.

 

[Dreamfinder2]

The only Epcot sit-down restaurant with an Illuminations view is gonna be the Rose and Crown in the UK. Make your PS's for about an hour before Illuminations, and request at the podium that you want to be seated on the patio. We tried this, and had the impression that the good folks at R&C really tried hard to accomidate us. It worked fine.

 

[jeleebeene]

We ate at Rose and Crown, and were seated around the time Illuminations began. I was disappointed in 2000, as we were near the Mexican pavilion, and I couldn't really see alot of the show. At Rose and Crown, it was Right There, and I loved it! It was loud, but watching it as we ate was just awesome. I hope to do it again on our next trip!

 

[crazymomof4]

Seven years ago our family had a dinner at the cafe outside of France and, although we had not planned it this way, it turned out to be the perfect spot for watching the fireworks. When we realized that all of the good spots around the lagoon were being taken as we ate, we decided to linger at our table. We ordered dessert and coffee which arrived just as the show began. Another plus was that we were seated and still had a great view. Refreshing for our tired feet! I hope this information is current. If they did away with France's outdoor cafe or relocated it or something, someone please correct me.